BY SIERRA HENRY
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Recognizing tremendous need in their communities, Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders proudly raised more than $94,000 and donated a total of 41,527 lbs. of food and 501 volunteer hours during the annual Illinois Harvest for All campaign.
"The IFB Young leaders continue to demonstrate remarkable commitment to fighting food insecurity in our communities,” said Perry Harlow. IFB Young Leader Program Coordinator. “With these great accomplishments, our Young Leaders are making a tangible difference in the lives of Illinois families who struggle with hunger.”
He added, “These numbers reflect not just charitable giving, but the deep-rooted values of compassion and community support that are defined by the Young Leaders' mission. "
Each year, IFB Young Leaders through their local county Farm Bureaus support food banks with innovative food drives and donation campaigns to alleviate hunger. IFB is recognizing the CFB Young Leaders committees with outstanding programs and donation contributions.
2024 Most Outstanding Harvest for All Programs are:
- Henry CFB Young Leaders for their Cram the Cab Food Drive
- McDonough CFB Young Leaders for their FFA Week Food Drive Challenge
- Sangamon CFB Young Leaders for their Fill-a-Ford Food Drive
Harvest for All Top Contributors awards recognized CFBs with outstanding hunger-relief efforts. Each was selected based on a combination of overall pounds of food donated, volunteer hours and dollars raised. Winners in each category were also selected. Award recipients were given a cash prize to further their Harvest for All efforts.
2024 Harvest for All Top Contributors are:
- First Place Overall, Fayette CFB Young Leaders
- Second Place Overall, Carroll CFB Young Leaders
- Third Place Overall, Henry CFB Young Leaders
2024 Harvest for All Top Category Winners:
- First Place Pounds of Food Donated, Fayette CFB Young Leaders
- First Place Dollars Raised, Carroll CFB Young Leaders
- First Place Hours Volunteers, Carroll CFB Young Leaders
The Illinois Harvest for All program demonstrates the generosity of Illinois agriculture. IFB encourages local involvement and partners with county Young Leader Programs, FFA chapters and Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters to fight food insecurity in Illinois.
The Outstanding Harvest for All program winners and Top Contributors will be recognized during IFB’s annual meeting in Chicago, held Dec. 7-10.
Content for this story was provided by FarmWeekNow.com.